And then she made a communication which considerably startled them.
At first they listened as though in a dream, for they could not believe in the reality of what she said, but they were not sorry to believe in its truth.
The nature of this communication will appear later on.
"And now," she said solemnly, "the time is short. I must insist upon your sleeping. Rest, and I will watch by your side. A friendly voice at least shall call you for the last dreadful trial of all."
CHAPTER XXV.
THE TRIPLE EXECUTION—A SOLDIER'S GRAVE—TORO'S LUCK.
Morning dawned.
The eastern sky was only just tinged with the light of the rising sun when the bugle call summoned the firing party.
The party in question was composed of six men commanded by Hunston.